I thought Lucille's black dress very becoming to her slim form.
We talked, of course, of the war, before which all other topics faded into insignificance at that time--and I had but disquieting news from France.

The siege had now lasted seven weeks, and none knew what the end might be.

The opportunity awaited the Frenchman, but none rose to meet it.

France blundered on in the hands of political mediocrities, as she has done ever since.
I gathered that Alphonse was staying in the house, and wondered at the news, considering that Isabella knew him but slightly.

It was the Vicomtesse who gave me the information, with one of her quiet glances that might mean much or nothing.